OPEN CALL ‘FAUNA’
ERAN GILAT
‘Life Science’
I am a Neuroscientist and an avid Art Photographer. My research focused on the study of the mechanisms underlying epilepsy, and the development of innovative cure for this illness. In recent years I found myself directing most of my attention and energy to still life photography of biological specimens, highly inspired by my long lasting confrontation with biological tissues and natural fauna. It takes a while for a young clinician or a researcher to accommodate the laboratory or hospital scenes to enable good performance. This is done by extensive training; some cannot adjust to the visuals. I feel my photographic activity carries me to these regions too. My photographic activity deals with the aesthetics of the scene, improvising various contexts, the tools and paraphernalia shown are not just the typical ones used in the operating place. My “Life Science” project is forcing the biological tissue into a relatively pleasant, sometimes artificial scenarios contemplating issues of materialism, erotica and mortality, corresponding with the complicated and intriguing category of “Animal reminder” in the visual arts. I feel my work engages also various toning of violence. We tend to describe violent humankind behavior as an animal like beastly revolting one, associated with animal violent behavior. I believe in many aspects we are inferior to the animal world moral conduct, while being superior in our “creative violent behavior”.
‘FAUNA’ is a new call open to any suggestions on photographic series related to animals. We will be posting the best submissions on Urbanautica and related channels. Deadline is February 18th. One project selected from among those submitted will be published and printed on the 4th issue 4 of “Stand Quarterly” magazine together with the works of Alec Soth, Céline Clanet, Vincent Fournier and Trine Søndergaard. Stand is an advertisement-free photographic journal showcasing the work and thoughts of various contemporary photographers from all areas of the world. Submissions of the series are welcome at info@urbanautica.com or directly on our facebook page. Steve Bisson curator and art director of Urbanautica will also be selecting works for future exhibitions. The selection is made on series (full project). Yet we accept single images to share with our readers here on facebook… Thank you all and best wishes!!!